Article

This article describes the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of
in-patient physiotherapists in Ontario regarding the treatment of patients who
are super-morbidly obese (SMO; i.e., those whose BMI is >50). Method: A 62-item
questionnaire was developed to assess demographics, sources of knowledge, current
practice, and attitudes such as confidence, willingness, and the perceived
effectiveness of treatment. It was distributed electronically using FluidSurveys.
All physiotherapists working in a clinical role with adults in an in-patient
setting in Ontario were eligible to participate. Results: A total of 276
physiotherapists completed the survey. Most of them had learned about the
treatment from non-structured sources such as clinical experience. More than half
(52%) of the participants disagreed that their place of employment was well
prepared to facilitate the treatment of patients who are SMO. The majority of
respondents were confident in treating these patients, were willing to treat them
(82%), and believed that physiotherapy would improve at least one health outcome
(96%) for them; however, 46% were reluctant to treat for fear of personal injury.
Participants most commonly felt limited by lack of equipment and lack of staff to assist. Conclusions: Physiotherapists have positive attitudes toward treating
patients who are SMO, and increased equipment and staff to assist, as well as
appropriate education, may decrease the fear of injury for physiotherapists while
treating these patients and improve health outcomes for them.
- Canada

Langue : ANGLAIS